Japan 4 (9. Sept.)

Today, I was originally going to visit Kagoshima, but we both decided it wasn't the best time. I was sleeping, but still felt nearly exhausted. So we decided I would check out Kumamoto on my own, while Greg taught at his school (he didn't have any time off while I was there).

Besides, LORD-willing, we'll visit Kagoshima together and he can be my guide yet again. At least he knows what he's doing and where he's going.


But now, it's time for me to share what I saw during the day, as I explored Kumamoto on my own.

Bus stop nearest my friend's place.

I went towards Kumamoto Castle first.

Here you are.

I think I'm on the right path towards Kumamoto Castle.

Had to cross a bridge. Looking out over the bridge.

Well, this is interesting.

Of course Kumamon would be on a building.

I'm so glad these signs have English!

Coming up to the "back door".

Said "back door"

The rates.

Up to the gate . . .

Oh, so this was about the gate I entered through . . . Does that mean I'm an evil spirit?

Some more of the plan-work.

Definitely made for several people to come up at the same time (or a procession with ample space).

1st option: To the main castle tower.

2nd option: the way I came in.

Wow, some people like to dress up, even for hiking up a hill to a castle.

Let's go up there.

Oh, renovated, big gate.

I think you can see how cool it must've felt, compared to the sun outside.

He's on his way to direct traffic to and from the castle.

Whoa.

Hello.

Oh, to stay in the shade.

A plaza/ general area.

Indeed, majestic enough for the title "castle"

Oh, well . . . let's look here too.

Ok, not too bad.

Oh, we can go up to the top? Let's do it!

Down the hallway.

Up some seriously steep stairs.

After about 5 floors, one can see this.

Or the entrance below.

The castle is next.

a model which explains how the houses were made and what they were made of.

Back through the cool tunnel.

We emerge to the castle.

Hi guys.

(not inside the castle, but another area right beside it).

Painted walls.

When the sun hits them.

No flash.

Love this garden feel.

Old painted doors.

What a hall.

Layout of the castle.

Just need to go up 6 of these.

Oh, so that's what's on the roofs.

Cool!

so is this view.

The courtyard where I took my timed-selfie.

Vending machines in Japan are something else.

There's plenty to choose from.

Kimonos are still in use.

This is probably the lighter, summer version.

A ninja was coming, sword in hand.

Guess it was a bluff.

Another guy directing traffic.

Leaving the castle, looking back at the main entrance.

The moat surrounding the castle.

Tourist shopping village.

Check out these wooden plates.

The restaurant I had lunch in, and also took the pictures of the wooden plates.

Yeah, a buffet restaurant.

Whoa!

I did not expect to see German here.

Awesome!

Time to use the tram. This is the stop I was at. Needed to go towards Kumamoto Castle.

Inside said tram.

Another tram.

My next stop.

Huh, there's a type of parking I haven't really seen before.

At the park.

Beautiful.

Cool refreshing water.

A shrine.

Shinto gate.

Looking back at the shrine(s).

Autumn is coming . . .

Oh, must be another shrine.

This tunnel of gates is so tempting.

Shrine.

So cool.

Hello sirs.

Very well kept.

Let's go over there, crossing on the stepping stones.

Turtle sunbathing.

Finally, I see a Japanese flag.

Ah, you again.

With a leaf on your head.

Nap away, nap away.

I want to stay.

Ah, the tourist trap street leading to/from the park.

See?

You get on the bus from the back, not like in Korea where it's through the front.

Same with the tram.

Just to get an idea of where I was.

Transfer from the tram to the train.

A bit of info.

Waiting for said train.

"Waiting room"

Ugh . . . which one should I take?

Yeah! I made it!

I still can't get over the bike parking here . . .

Where you buy your ticket, if you don't have a transport/train card.

Ticket machine.

Look at the map beside. Find your destination. Pay for the amount needed to get to said destination.

Map.

Don't know what the sign says, but I do understand the red and green men.

This is a kind of casino. Apparently gambling is legal.

I hope it's just gambling money.

Odori Sushi: the place where my friend took me to dinner my 1st day in Japan (go to the last pictures of Japan 1).

Stairway to Heaven?

It was tough, but I did it!

Yes, the Pocari Sweat was a type of fuel to make it up.

A new school is under construction on the top of the hill (a few block from both my friend's place and school).

Kumamon is EVERYWHERE.

Even giving construction advice.

Vending machine, plus recycle bin once you're done.

In Greg's room. This is genius.
It has a double meaning: 1. It looks like Jesus washing a disciple's feet.
2. It spells 사랑, which is "love" in Korean.
Think about that.
It's deep.